On Friday, May 9, 2025, Indonesia's Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, marked a significant milestone in the nation’s seafood export industry by releasing a shipment of 9.3 tons of frozen yellowfin tuna from PT Dempo Andalas Samudera. This shipment, valued at Rp1.87 billion (approximately USD 90,000), is destined for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and represents an important step in expanding Indonesia's presence in international markets.
During the ceremony held in Padang, West Sumatra, Budi emphasized the potential for Indonesia's tuna exports, stating, "Today we release the export of tuna from PT Dempo Andalas Sumatera to the UAE, marking the beginning of a process that will continue to grow." He highlighted that the tuna export market is substantial and that the government is committed to assisting businesses in expanding their export reach, including other marine products.
Looking ahead, Indonesia is not only focusing on the UAE but also setting its sights on the European market. A trade agreement with Tunisia is scheduled to be signed on June 11 and 12, 2025, which aims to bolster tuna exports to that region. Budi reiterated the importance of these efforts, stating, "We need to increase our tuna exports, not just to the UAE, but also to Europe, especially as we enter into cooperation with several countries in that area." This expansion is part of a broader strategy to achieve a national export growth target of 7.1 percent by 2026.
To support this ambitious goal, the Indonesian government has initiated the UMKM Bisa Ekspor program, which has already facilitated Rp920 billion worth of export transactions involving 388 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as of April 2025. Budi urged local leaders in West Sumatra to leverage this program, believing it could significantly boost local economies and help fishermen access broader markets.
Utari Octavianty, Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer of PT Dempo Andalas Samudera, noted that this export marks the seventh shipment of tuna in 2025. She expressed gratitude for the support from the Ministry of Trade, which has been instrumental in establishing connections with buyers in the UAE. "This shipment is part of our ongoing efforts to expand our export market, which has already reached the United States and the UAE," she said.
PT Dempo Andalas Samudera is committed to maintaining a steady supply chain, receiving between 1 to 3 tons of fish catches from local fishermen daily. Currently, around 60 fishermen in Padang partner with the company to sell their tuna catches. Utari mentioned that the company exports an average of 20 tons of tuna per month to the UAE and another 20 tons every two months to the United States, indicating a robust and sustainable operational model.
In light of ongoing global trade tensions, the Indonesian government is keen on diversifying its export markets. Budi stated, "The government will continue to strive for international market expansion across various countries, from Asia to Europe and the Middle East. This is essential for enhancing Indonesia's trade and subsequently benefiting local economies." He added that the support for fishermen and exporters is crucial, especially in times of trade conflicts that could adversely affect Indonesia's economic landscape.
As part of its strategy, Indonesia is also pursuing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which aims to reduce and eliminate tariffs on approximately 94 percent of total tariff lines, thus opening more market access for Indonesian products. Budi urged exporters to take full advantage of these agreements to enhance their competitiveness in the international market.
Governor Mahyeldi of West Sumatra echoed Budi's sentiments, calling for continued support from the central government to promote the region's flagship products. He noted that the Export Coaching Program has successfully produced 60 new exporters, contributing to the growth of the local export sector. "We hope to receive information and support for West Sumatra entrepreneurs to participate in various trade exhibitions both domestically and internationally," he said.
Utari emphasized the resilience of the fishing industry amidst global challenges, stating, "We are grateful for the support from the Ministry of Trade, which has allowed us to continue exporting tuna to Dubai and connect with buyers there. We hope these export activities can continue, enabling fishermen in Bungus to keep catching tuna and access better market opportunities."
In summary, the recent tuna export from PT Dempo Andalas Samudera is a testament to Indonesia's commitment to expanding its seafood market internationally. With strategic partnerships and government support, the nation aims to enhance its export capabilities and contribute positively to the local economy, particularly for the fishing communities in West Sumatra.
